Who is Johnny Clegg? Wiki, Bio, Age, Wife, Kids, Family, Cause of Death, Cancer, Net Worth, Health, Nationality, Obituary, Funeral and Songs
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Johnny Clegg Biography – Johnny Clegg Wiki
Johnny Clegg born Jonathan Paul Clegg, was a South African musician and anthropologist. He co-founded two interracial bands, including Juluka with Sipho Mchunu and Savuka with Dudu Zulu.
Johnny Clegg Age
He was born on 7 June 1953 in Bacup, Lancashire, England. He died on 16 July 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was 66 years old.
Johnny Clegg Wife
Johnny was married to his wife of 31 years, Jenny Clegg.
Johnny Clegg Children
Johnny and his wife Jenny Clegg had two sons Jesse and Jaron.
Johnny Clegg Family
Johnny was born to an English father and Zimbabwean mother (a cabaret and jazz singer). He was brought up in his mother’s native land of Zimbabwe. His mother married a South African journalist (a crime reporter) and immigrated to South Africa when Johnny was seven years old.
Johnny Clegg Illness – Johnny Clegg Health – Johnny Clegg Cancer
Clegg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015.
Johnny Clegg Death
Clegg died on 16 July 2019 at his family home in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was 66. Johnny Clegg’s death was confirmed by his manager Roddy Quin in a statement on Facebook.
“It is with immense sadness that we confirm that Jonathan (Johnny) Clegg, OBE OIS succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 66 on the afternoon of 16 July 2019 at his family home in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“Johnny leaves deep foot prints in the hearts of every person that considers him/herself to be an African. He showed us what it was to assimilate to and embrace other cultures without losing your identity. An anthropologist that used his music to speak to every person. With his unique style of music he traversed cultural barriers like few others. In many of us he awakened awareness.
“Johnny was born on 7 June 1953 in Bacup, Lancashire England and moved to Johannesburg, South Africa with his Rhodesian mother when he was 6 years old. His exposure to Zulu migrant workers during adolescence introduced him to the culture and music. His involvement with black musicians often saw him arrested during Apartheid.
“At the age of 17, together with Sipho Mchunu they formed their first band called Juluka. At the age of 33 in 1986 during the height of Apartheid he partnered with Dudu Zulu to form his second inter-racial band called Savuka. Clegg also recorded several solo albums and enjoyed international success selling out concerts wherever he performed.
“Apart from lecturing at the Universities of the Witwatersrand and Natal respectively, Johnny studied anthropology and combined his studies with music.
“He was awarded by a number of local and international bodies for his contribution to music and society notably by the French Government in 1991 with a Knight of Arts and Letters, and in 2015 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 2012 he received the Order of Ikhamanga from the South African government. He was awarded a number of Honorary doctorates by the Universities of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), Dartmouth College in the USA and the City University of New York.
“He authored and published the book “UkuBuyisa Isidumbu” (1981, Ravan Press), and presented papers on “The Music of Zulu Immigrant Workers in Johannesburg” in 1981 at the Grahamstown International Library of African Music and “Towards an understanding of African Dance: The Zulu Isishameni Style” in 1982 at Rhodes University.
“Johnny was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015 but despite fighting cancer continued to tour and perform around the world to pay homage to his fans worldwide.
“Johnny is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jenny and their two sons Jesse and Jaron.
“His passing has left us numb and we request that the family’s privacy be respected during this trying time.
“The family will be holding a Private funeral service and we ask you to please respect the families wishes.
“There will be a service for public to pay their respects and the details hereof will be announced in due course.”
The South African government shared its condolences to Johnny Clegg’s family and friends on Twitter. “Asimbonanga ofana no Johnny Clegg. He has left deep footprints in our hearts. He showed us what it was to assimilate to and embrace other cultures without losing your identity.”
Asimbonanga ofana no Johnny Clegg. He has left deep footprints in our hearts. He showed us what it was to assimilate to and embrace other cultures without losing your identity. #RIPJohnnyClegg https://t.co/vSnqHv5XkO pic.twitter.com/LT9ZQLL2Jy
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 16, 2019
Johnny Clegg Cause of Death – How did Johnny Clegg Died
Johnny Clegg’s cause of death was pancreatic cancer.
Johnny Clegg Funeral
Johnny Clegg’s family will hold a private funeral service. There will also be a service for the public to pay their respects.
Johnny Clegg Nationality
Johnny was of South African nationality.
Johnny Clegg Songs
- Scatterlings of Africa
- The Crossing
- Great Heart
- Asimbonanga
- Dela
- I Call Your Name
- Cruel Crazy Beautiful World
- Africa
- Impi
- Take My Heart Away
- Giyani
- King Of Time
- December African Rain
- Woza Friday
- African Shadow Man
- Ibhola Lethu
- African Sky Blue
- I Call Your Name – Dance
- Dance Across the Centuries
- Human Rainbow
- Talk to the People
- Jongosi
- Moliva
- Bullets for Bafazane
- I Can Never Be
- Asilazi
- When the System Has Fallen
- The Waiting
- Thamela – Die Son Trek Water
- Tatazela
- Bombs Away
- Umfazi Omdala